Prior to the largest fire disaster in the state of Texas, which burned over 34,000 acres in Bastrop, TX and affected 95% of the Bastrop State Park in September 2011, we stumbled upon a nearby campground on the South Shore of Lake Bastrop. The South Shore Park is the busier of the two Lake Bastrop parks and both are managed by the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority). Both parks were unscathed by the horrific fires and still offer some great camping options in the Bastrop area.

October 2009-The 900-acre Lake Bastrop is surrounded by 5.5 miles of multi-use trails appealing to campers, fishermen, hikers, bikers and boaters. We chose to stay on the South Shore, since it offers more campsites and amenities. If you book early enough you can reserve one of the 12 waterfront campsites, which are our favorite. If you prefer not to rough it, there are 18 nice mini-cabins with electricity, bunk beds, air conditioning and nearby restrooms.

We enjoyed the on-site canoe rentals. Being on the lake in the morning hours was so peaceful. With the lake containing bass, crappie, perch and catfish, we saw many people fishing from their boats or from the park ramp. We also brought our bikes to ride on the trail system, which connects the two parks. With plenty of hills and trees to navigate around, the bike ride was not only scenic, but also fun!

The South Shore Park also offers the Osprey Point Hall, which is great for large parties or reunions. The day use area nearby has a playground, sand volleyball court, swimming area and horseshoe pits. If you plan your visit accordingly, the park naturalist provides an interpretive hike tour, which includes the history of the Colorado River.

If you run out of activities at the park, the town of Bastrop is nearby and offers plenty of shopping on the Main Street Historic District, restaurants, a museum, art galleries and a small winery. Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park are nearby as well and despite the past forest fires, still offer hiking and biking trails.

The nearby McKinney Roughs Nature Park, one of our other favorite parks, is also managed by the LCRA.  This is a day use park which offers 18 miles of hiking trails through four ecosystems as wells as 12 miles of horseback tails. The varied topography and plentiful wildlife and foliage along the Colorado River provide very scenic trails including a 200-year-old pecan tree that stands 100 feet tall with a 58” tree circumference. Make sure to stop by the visitor center to check on upcoming events such as float trips on the river, star gazing and interpretive hikes.

The Bastrop community survived one of the worst fire disasters in Texas and those that chose to stay patiently await the forest to grow back. Despite the devastation, time has begun to heal the scarred landscape and blankets of wildflowers in the spring indicates to visitors that there is hope.